News release from the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau:
April and Juleps, It’s Mint to Be
Louisville Establishments Celebrate Mint Julep Month
As the countdown to the first Saturday in May begins, bourbon fans will revel in an entire month dedicated to perfecting the essential Derby day cocktail. April is Mint Julep Month and local establishments are ready to show off their versions of the minty sweet bourbon concoction. From the traditional sips to deliciously scented products - restaurants, bakeries and retail shops are all about mint juleps in April. For more information on Mint Julep month, visit http://www.culinarylouisville.com.
Juleps with a twist:
· The Bristol Downtown will have a special mint julep menu featuring the Garden Julep with rosemary, basil and mint, the Royal Julep with Evan Williams bottled in Bond & Benedictine and the Ginger Julep Martini with Basil Hayden, white crème de menthe and ginger simple syrup.
· The Bristol in Jeffersonville will add the season’s signature drink to the menu for April only.
· The Derby Café will offer three choices of bourbon for your julep which will be served in a souvenir glass. They will also feature a non-alcoholic version: iced tea juleps with a touch of orange.
· Doc Crow’s is featuring a Mint Julep Lemonade with Doc Crow’s 2nd Union Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled in Bond private selection bourbon, fresh mint, simple syrup and lemon juice.
· La Coop’s French twist on the classic, Le Julep, will be made with cognac rather than bourbon.
Julep sweets & treats:
· Art Eatables will launch their Maker’s Mark Mint Julep Small Batch Truffle in April.
· The Bakery at Sullivan University will have their popular Mint Julep Cupcakes (chocolate with mint icing) starting April 16.
· The Bristol East will have a Mint Julep Affogato that replaces the traditional espresso with bourbon and fresh mint syrup over vanilla ice cream.
· The Brown Hotel will offer a Mint Julep Trifle in the English Grill. Chef Josh Bettis worked with pastry chef Shelby Cook to create the sweet treat with layers of mint mousse and bourbon-ginger gelée with an almond crust.
· Ramsi’s Café on the World will be serving a house made Mint Chocolate Julep Sorbet which will be served floating in bourbon and soda in a martini glass.
Mint julep class:
· Join Joy Perrine, the “bad girl of bourbon”, at Westport Whiskey & Wine for a Julep Cocktail Class on Tuesday, April 15 at 7PM where participants will learn how to make at least six different juleps. Reservations requested.
Mint julep goods:
· Bourbon Barrel Foods has Mint Julep Sugar available at Work the Metal in the Butchertown Market and online at bourbonbarrelfoods.com.
· The 2014 Early Times Mint Julep bottle was designed by Louisville native Ashley Cecil and it celebrates the moment when the traditional rose garland is presented to the Derby winner.
· Louisville Stoneware will have a buy three; get one free promotion on their mint julep cups (in-store only).
· The Louisville Visitor Center will be selling a Mint Julep gift set which includes a Louisville Stoneware mint julep cup, mint julep mix and mint julep bourbon chocolate candy.
· Moss Hill has a Mint Julep gift set which includes their handmade mint julep soap and soy candle which are scented with a fresh blend of spearmint and creamy vanilla.
Check http://www.culinarylouisville.com for updated listings.
